Living is Risky

Anyway, once we accept that GA flying is dangerous, we can focus on making it less so. Look at maintenance. Tony Saxton of TAS Aviation, a Twin-Cessna specialist, reports that the total number of annuals they can do in a year has decreased by a whopping 28 percent simply because theres more to inspect (from ADs, service bulletins, or just from experience) and more discrepancies to fix; their comprehensive annual merely takes longer.

Editorial Staff

Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

General aviation (GA) flying is inherently risky, but these risks, like others in life, can be managed and accepted for the rewards they offer.
The increased risks in GA are primarily attributable to deficiencies in maintenance and pilot skill.
To effectively mitigate mechanical risks in the aging GA fleet, annual inspections must be more thorough and time-consuming to address wear and identify discrepancies.
Reducing pilot error necessitates consistent and aggressive training, including serious simulator work, to maintain and enhance proficiency and explore the limits of capabilities.

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Risk is a topic that often gets me musing about where we, as pilots, fit into the scheme of risk takers. Muse along with me.

Living involves risk. You can stay in your bed to minimize that risk, but you can’t eliminate it. Your house might burn; there might be an earthquake or a tornado. Or, I might have problems in my airplane and return to earth nose down onto the bed where you’re hiding.